So now there is a lot of talk about shifting the burden of the
teachers' retirement funding to the Education Fund. This could be an
ongoing, daunting expense, particularly with the voracious appetite for
more and more teachers and social programs during a period of declining
student enrollment.
If we are not strong in our commitment to protecting the property
taxpayer from shifting costs in a declining economy, declining personal
income and declining home values, those who choose to own property will
be trapped in a never-ending increase in their property taxes, with the
only escape being to sell some if not all of their property. The impact
on businesses seems to be obvious, but those businesses able to survive
Vermont's onerous tax policies will simply pass the additional taxes on
to us all in the form of price increases.
It is the homeowner who cannot easily vote with his feet that
continues to be trapped. Some of the homeowners, like you and I, are
also business owners, providing good jobs in Vermont. The second-home
owner has the option to sell and get out.
I hope to see you voting to protect the property owner from further
tax abuse. The governor's veto will be tested again on this issue. I
hope you will see fit to support him this time.
Jim Parker
Warren
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